6/14/2023
HUD's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program allows you to rent at a discount. Since renting consumes a large part of the family's finances, here's how to apply for this assistance.
What is HUD Section 8?
It is a federal program that provides vouchers to help low-income people access housing.
Those who participate in HUD's (Department of Housing and Urban Development) Section 8 can choose the property they want as long as it meets the guidelines. This means they can look for a house, apartment, townhouse, etc., and are not required to live in subsidized projects.
How does HUD Section 8 work?
HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are issued by Public Housing Agencies or PHAs. The U.S. government is responsible for funding this program by giving money to these entities. In turn, they provide the receipts for those who qualify for HUD Section 8.
When a person or family receives one of these vouchers, they also get a discount on their rent. In this case, the PHA pays a subsidy to the landlord of the property in the beneficiary's name. Whoever gets the rebate then pays the difference between the actual rent and the Section 8 award.
How do I apply for HUD Section 8?
The first thing you should do to apply for HUD Section 8 is to contact the Public Housing Agency in your jurisdiction. The people at the PHA will let you know if they are accepting new applications and what documents you will need. Depending on where you live, you can apply in person, by mail or online.
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Process for filling out the application
Each PHA has an application form that you should know how to fill out. Generally, you must provide the following information:
- Criminal history.
- Disability status.
- Where you currently live.
- Race, ethnicity and native language.
- Preferred room size.
- Names of previous landlords.
- Personal details of head of household.
- Veteran or active military status.
- Your name and the names of those in your family.
- Name of current employer and contact information.
- Place/date of birth, gender and SSN information for those in the household.
Submission of supporting documents
Once you have completed the form, the PHA handling your case may request some additional paperwork. Among the most common are:
- Pay stubs.
- Tax returns.
- Bank statements.
- Copies of your current lease.
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, green card, etc.).
- Copies of government IDs for all household members.
As a tip, the sooner you provide the required documents, the faster your application will be processed.
Getting on the waiting list
If you are approved for HUD Section 8, you will most likely be added to a waiting list. This list is a database of all those who have been approved for the housing choice voucher program. As soon as a house becomes available, you will be given the stipulated benefit.
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Keep in mind that the PHA can close the waiting list to new applicants when there are not enough funds to pay the benefits. Also, being on the waiting list does not guarantee that you will get a home soon. Sometimes it can take a few years to get to the top of the list to receive this benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions about HUD Section 8
Can I live wherever I want?
The answer is yes. In fact, as a program participant you can choose a home wherever you want as long as you meet the requirements. Just contact the PHA where you live to learn more about available properties and the application process.
Can I move without losing my assistance?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is designed to allow any family to move without losing the benefit. Moves are allowed when timely notice is given, you find an acceptable house/apartment, and you terminate the lease within the agreed upon time frame.
What are my duties as a tenant?
As long as you receive HUD Section 8 assistance, you must comply with the requirements of the program and the lease. This means paying on time, keeping the property in good condition, and notifying the PHA of any changes in the number of tenants or amount of income.
What type of housing must the tenant provide?
The landlord is required to provide habitable, safe, and sanitary housing. The unit must pass the program's quality inspection and the tenant must maintain it to the required standards if receiving HUD payments. The landlord must also provide the services included in the contracts with the tenant and the PHA.
Español: ¿Cómo aplicar para la Sección 8 del HUD?